The Sonnets, Triumphs, and Other Poems of Petrarch | Page 6

in the lure of dressing our persons; when we traversed the streets, with
what attention did we not avoid every breath of wind which might
discompose our hair; and with what caution did we not prevent the least
speck of dirt from soiling our garments!"
This vanity, however, lasted only during his youthful days. And even
then neither attention to his personal appearance, nor his attachment to
the fair sex, nor his attendance upon the great, could induce Petrarch to
neglect his own mental improvement, for, amidst all these occupations,
he found leisure for application, and devoted himself to the cultivation
of his favourite pursuits of literature.
Inclined by nature to moral philosophy, he was guided by the reading
of Cicero and Seneca to that profound knowledge of the human heart,
of the duties of others and of our own duties, which shows itself in all
his writings. Gifted with a mind full of enthusiasm for poetry, he
learned from Virgil elegance and dignity in versification. But he had
still higher advantages from the perusal of Livy. The magnanimous
actions of Roman heroes so much excited the soul of Petrarch, that he
thought the men of his own age light and contemptible.
His first compositions were in Latin: many motives, however, induced
him to compose in the vulgar tongue, as Italian was then called, which,
though improved by Dante, was still, in many respects, harsh and
inelegant, and much in want of new beauties. Petrarch wrote for the
living, and for that portion of the living who were least of all to be

fascinated by the language of the dead. Latin might be all very well for
inscriptions on mausoleums, but it was not suited for the ears of beauty
and the bowers of love. The Italian language acquired, under his
cultivation, increased elegance and richness, so that the harmony of his
style has contributed to its beauty. He did not, however, attach himself
solely to Italian, but composed much in Latin, which he reserved for
graver, or, as he considered, more important subjects. His compositions
in Latin are--Africa, an epic poem; his Bucolics, containing twelve
eclogues; and three books of epistles.
Petrarch's greatest obstacles to improvement arose from the scarcity of
authors whom he wished to consult--for the manuscripts of the writers
of the Augustan age were, at that time, so uncommon, that many could
not be procured, and many more of them could not be purchased under
the most extravagant price. This scarcity of books had checked the
dawning light of literature. The zeal of our poet, however, surmounted
all these obstacles, for he was indefatigable in collecting and copying
many of the choicest manuscripts; and posterity is indebted to him for
the possession of many valuable writings, which were in danger of
being lost through the carelessness or ignorance of the possessors.
Petrarch could not but perceive the superiority of his own
understanding and the brilliancy of his abilities. The modest humility
which knows not its own worth is not wont to show itself in minds
much above mediocrity; and to elevated geniuses this virtue is a
stranger. Petrarch from his youthful age had an internal assurance that
he should prove worthy of estimation and honours. Nevertheless, as he
advanced in the field of science, he saw the prospect increase, Alps
over Alps, and seemed to be lost amidst the immensity of objects
before him. Hence the anticipation of immeasurable labours
occasionally damped his application. But from this depression of spirits
he was much relieved by the encouragement of John of Florence, one
of the secretaries of the Pope, a man of learning and probity. He soon
distinguished the extraordinary abilities of Petrarch; he directed him in
his studies, and cheered up his ambition. Petrarch returned his affection
with unbounded confidence. He entrusted him with all his foibles, his
disgusts, and his uneasinesses. He says that he never conversed with

him without finding himself more calm and composed, and more
animated for study.
The superior sagacity of our poet, together with his pleasing manners,
and his increasing reputation for knowledge, ensured to him the most
flattering prospects of success. His conversation was courted by men of
rank, and his acquaintance was sought by men of learning. It was at this
time, 1326, that his merit procured him the friendship and patronage of
James Colonna, who belonged to one of the most ancient and illustrious
families of Italy.
"About the twenty-second year of my life," Petrarch writes to one of his
friends, "I became acquainted with James Colonna. He had seen me
whilst I resided at Bologna, and was prepossessed, as he was pleased to
say, with my appearance. Upon his arrival at Avignon, he again saw me,
when, having inquired minutely into the state of my affairs, he admitted